1 . After taking part in 53 rescue operations (救援行动), saving a dozen lives and finding over 40 bodies in disaster zones (灾区), Frida, the beautiful and brave 65-pound and 10-year-old yellow Labrador rescue dog has retired from active duty(现役)in the Mexican Navy.
The Mexican Navy celebrated the dog’s contributions (贡献) by honoring her in a ceremony on Monday, as part of the International Rescuers Day. “Her bark (吠声) always gave hope, and in moments of pain and uncertainty she brought comfort,” said Deputy Naval Minister Eduardo Redondo. The postal service honored three search-and-rescue dogs, Frida, Evil and Ecko, in a stamp, showing them wearing protectors.
As a local hero, her professional and tireless work won the love, support and respect of the people of Mexico. Mexico also put her painted picture on a huge advertising board. Frida’s stop board can also be seen on the roads of Mexico. A cartoon book and toy dolls are also designed for her.
The Mexican Navy said in July that Frida was a veteran of more than 9 years of rescue efforts across Mexico, Guatemala, Haiti, and Ecuador Frida helped with rescue efforts after the deadly earthquake in Port-au-Prince in 2010. But it wasn’t until September 2017 that she gained more international attention on social media after the Mexican Navy shared a video of her. Frida went with the first Search and Rescue team to look for the children reported missing in a school in Mexico City during the strong earthquake. The images traveled the world and became a hot topic to the point that famous actor Chris Evans shared the video saying, “What did we do to deserve (应得) dogs?”
Today, her protectors which she had worn to carry out tasks in Mexico and abroad were taken down and sent to EIBorcegu Shoe Museum Collection for exhibition. Her trainer Arauz Salinas awarded her a toy to play with as a new beginning. Frida is expected to move to the countryside and help with the training of the next-generation rescue dogs.
What a good girl!
1. What can we know about Frida from the text?| A．She is a special rescuer in Mexico. |
| B．She is a sign of hope for Mexicans. |
| C．Mexico set up a festival in her honour. |
| D．She is the only specially trained dog of the Mexican Navy. |
| A．Someone who is smart. | B．Someone who is green. |
| C．Someone who is generous. | D．Someone who is experienced. |
| A．After a rescue video was spread widely. |
| B．After she saved all the children’s lives in a school. |
| C．After a star applied to keep it as a pet. |
| D．After she completed international search-and-rescue tasks successfully. |
| A．She will live out her life in peace. |
| B．She will serve as a model for all the dogs. |
| C．She will continue to contribute to society. |
| D．She will settle down and start a family. |
| A．An introduction to Frida. |
| B．Why people like Frida so much. |
| C．How Frida influences the culture and history of Mexico. |
| D．What people have done to give something back to Frida. |
2 . I waved goodbye to my senior high school life just six months ago and now I am a college freshman. However, my memory of high school life is so fresh that I feel as if it were only yesterday.
My senior high school is called Yantai No. 1 Middle School with a long history, which can date back to 1931. When I recall my memorable high school life, I feel blissful and impressed.
To be honest, my senior high school life was very tiring but I really enjoyed it. I was asked to put study in the first place all the time by both my parents and my teachers. At that time, I got up at 5:30 a.m. and went to bed late in order to have more study time to review what I had learned in the day. In addition to study, I also took part in some activities like English speech contests, calligraphy competitions and so on.
Our class was like a big family. I got along well with my classmates. We always discussed issues of all kinds after class. I made many friends in the family and we still keep in touch with each other after we graduated. Luckily, my teachers were also very enthusiastic and friendly. We were seen as their children. They not only taught us knowledge but told us how to do better.
What’s more, dormitory life is also worth mentioning. Living far away from my home, I became quite independent by the end of the first semester at senior high. My roommates and I worked as a team to do some cleaning every day. We had a good time living as a family together, and my social skills were gradually improved.
This is my high school life, busy but fulfilling. I will never forget it.
1. It seems that the author’s high school life is anything but ______.| A．memorable | B．impressive | C．tiring | D．bitter |
| A．The author was unhappy about what she was told to do by her parents and teachers. |
| B．The author was a hardworking student when at high school. |
| C．The author had no time for other hobbies other than study. |
| D．The author won a lot of prizes in competitions during high school. |
| A．She lived far from her home. | B．She learned to do things on her own. |
| C．She had a better understanding of teamwork. | D．She learned how to get along with others. |
| A．In a newspaper covering breaking news. | B．In a fashion magazine. |
| C．On a college composition website. | D．In a guidebook. |
3 . Last year my daughter started feeding a homeless cat that we named Miss Alice. Since then, things have
My daughter always treats them equally with care. The only one who seems
The thing that Miss Alice
| A．progressed | B．recovered | C．ended | D．worsened |
| A．forgiven | B．guided | C．fed | D．reminded |
| A．dogs | B．birds | C．kids | D．cats |
| A．resting | B．fighting | C．playing | D．eating |
| A．plants | B．animals | C．neighbours | D．classmates |
| A．unhappy | B．unfamiliar | C．content | D．honest |
| A．protecting | B．driving | C．choosing | D．escaping |
| A．carried | B．identified | C．loved | D．looked |
| A．petting | B．checking | C．catching | D．admiring |
| A．careful | B．effective | C．concerned | D．willing |
| A．hardly | B．fully | C．obviously | D．definitely |
| A．pick out | B．break down | C．apply for | D．give away |
| A．tough | B．passive | C．caring | D．humourous |
| A．complaining | B．sharing | C．struggling | D．cheating |
| A．achievements | B．arguments | C．comparisons | D．connections |
4 . The effect of natural disasters and her fit and active husband David’s surprising heart attack at the age of 54 had all seen Leila reflect on appreciation — something she was drawing on heavily after she injured her knee.
After finishing her film, Leila and David planned a skiing vacation with their kids. It was on the first day of the holiday the family had dreamed of for years that the unthinkable thing happened. Leila injured her knee in a horrific accident and was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
Leila said, “I thought, after the last couple of years, it would be great to go on a big adventurous holiday, but on the first day I broke my knee. Before that day, I sent my mother messages asking her how she was. When I injured my own knee, I didn’t understand what she was going through and I was sorry for making my mother feel worried. Thankfully, I was still alive.”
After the surgery, there would be months before recovery. But while others might have fallen into a “why is me” slump (低潮期), Leila was determined to face each day with a “ can do” thought.
When she couldn’t carry her own glass of water, she slung (吊挂) a water bottle around her neck. When she couldn’t move quickly to keep up with the kids, she got a walker at home. She became so adept at using it that she would try to go for a run. “There were a lot of frustrating things in losing independence, but this would pass. The kids and David were magnificent in their care,” she added.
While the holiday didn’t turn out the way she had hoped, it did reaffirm her love for her family, as well as her appreciation for her own relative good health.
1. Which word can best describe Leila’s skiing vacation?| A．Interesting. | B．Moving. | C．Boring. | D．Disappointing. |
| A．Positive. | B．Unfriendly. | C．Critical. | D．Objective. |
| A．Shocked. | B．Angry. | C．Alarmed. | D．Skillful. |
| A．Become grateful for your life. |
| B．Make your dream come true. |
| C．Try to do what you want to do. |
| D．Love yourself before you love others. |
5 . I am a teacher and I love children. I set up a classroom library of books that I bought
I read the children a story. It is about a girl who is
I turn him towards the class and put my
“Anybody who makes fun of you, I’ll kick them.”
“Me, too,” says another.
When the boy sees the class become united (团结) , he is very happy 60 and smiles at me .
1.| A．for | B．in | C．with | D．use |
| A．fruit shop | B．toy shop | C．flower shop | D．book shop |
| A．like | B．complain | C．hate | D．decorate |
| A．very | B．so | C．too | D．such |
| A．expensive | B．modern | C．different | D．same |
| A．at school | B．at home | C．in the factory | D．in the shop |
| A．Before | B．After | C．Ago | D．Later |
| A．runs | B．shouts | C．cries | D．plays |
| A．On | B．Since | C．For | D．With |
| A．speaks | B．says | C．tells | D．talks |
| A．disappeared | B．losing | C．missing | D．appeared |
| A．head | B．hands | C．heart | D．face |
| A．worried | B．sad | C．nervous | D．excited |
| A．puts on | B．puts down | C．puts away | D．puts up |
| A．excited | B．sad | C．noisy | D．unhappy |
6 . Alexander Graham Bell was born in 1847 in Scotland, but when he was young his family moved to Boston, USA.
He believed that one should always be curious and his most famous saying was: Leave the beaten track occasionally and dive into the woods. Every time you do you will be certain to find something that you have never seen before. Follow it up, explore all around it, and before you know it, you will have something worth thinking about to occupy your mind. All really big discoveries are the result of thought.
It was this exploring around problems and his dynamic spirit that led to his most famous invention-the telephone in 1876. Bell never set out to invent the telephone and what he was trying to design was a multiple telegraph.
The original telegraph sent a message over distances using Morse code. But only one message could go at a time. Bell wanted to improve it so that it could send several messages at the same time. He designed a machine that would separate different sound waves and allow different conversations to be held at the same time. In searching to improve the telegraph, Bell had invented the first telephone!
The patent was given in 1876, but it was not until five days later that Bell sent his first telephone message to his assistant Watson. The words have now become famous:
“Mr Watson—come here—I want to see you.”
Alexander Graham Bell was not a man to rest and he interested himself in many other areas of invention. He experimented with helicopter designs and flying machines. While searching for a kite strong enough to carry a man into the air, Bell experimented putting triangles together and discovered the tetrahedron shape. Being very stable, it has proved invaluable in the design of bridges.
1. What does the author think is the key to Bell’s success as an inventor?| A．Curiosity. | B．Intelligence. | C．Good luck. | D．Inspiration. |
| A．In 1847. | B．In 1876. | C．In 1880. | D．In 1888. |
| A．kites | B．telephone | C．flying machines | D．tetrahedron shape |
| A．poor | B．rich | C．creative | D．kind |
7 . The Walt Disney Company turns 100 years old in 2023, and the whole world will celebrate its stories, characters and imagination — but only Philly’s Franklin Institute will house Disney 100: The Exhibition.
Making its world debut (首秀) right here in Philadelphia, the exhibition takes guests behind the scenes into the magical world of Disney at what’s sure to be one of the region’s must-see exhibitions of 2023.
When to Visit
From February 18 to August 27, 2023
What to Expect
Disney 100: The Exhibition features 10 large galleries, each with a distinct theme relating to the history of the House of Mouse, celebrating the classics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Strange World.
The Walt Disney Archives (档案馆) is displaying its treasures, including more than 250 of its “Crown Jewels”, rarely seen artworks, costumes and other memorabilia (纪念品).
Admission & Tickets
Tickets to Disney 100: The Exhibition are on sale now, and guests have several options when it comes to experiencing the Disney magic.
Folks looking to visit in the daytime (9 am to 5 pm) can buy timed tickets for $45 (adults) and $41 (children aged 3-11). The best part: General museum admission to the rest of the Franklin Institute is included in the cost.
Looking to save on tickets? Consider visiting during the exhibition’s evening hours, which run from 5 pm to 8 pm from Thursdays to Saturdays. Tickets run $25 per person and do not include admission to the rest of the museum.
For maximum flexibility, consider picking up Flex Time Tickets, which allow exhibition access for any time. These run $61 per person and must be purchased in person at the Franklin Institute or over the phone.
Location & Contact
The Franklin Institute 271N. 21st Street Philadelphia, PA 19103(215)448-1200
1. What can guests do at the exhibition?| A．Watch a new Disney movie. | B．Try on different Disney costumes. |
| C．Create artworks about Disney characters. | D．Learn about the history of the House of Mouse. |
| A．They are available at a low price. | B．They can help avoid a long wait. |
| C．They can be bought over the phone. | D．They include general museum costs. |
| A．$50. | B．$131. | C．$90. | D．$86. |
8 . Wonderful trip around the Mediterranean
Days 1-2 Barcelona, Spain
Discover the interesting buildings, Catalan culture and Gothic Quarter in Gaudi’s city of Barcelona.
Day 3 Board Regal Princess
Day 4 Relaxing at sea
Day 5 Gibraltar
You’ve got a full day to get to know this British territory (领土), home to many cultures. Choose to ride the cable car (缆车) for great views of the Rock of Gibraltar or discover the beautiful lighthouse.
Day 6 Relaxing at sea
Day 7 Marseille, France
Enjoy a full day discovering all that Provence has to offer — flower fields, fishing boats or Roman ruins (遗迹). City or countryside, you decide.
Day 8 Genoa, Italy
Get to know this busy town by walking through the wonderful streets and piazzas (public squares, especially in an Italian town).
Day 9 Florence / Pisa
Choose to visit wonderful wineries (酒庄) in Tuscany or the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa on your last day in Italy.
Day 10 Disembark (下船) Regal Princess
Go to the airport for your flight home.
Your holiday includes
• Direct flights
• 2 nights 4 star Barcelona hotel incl breakfast
• 7 nights aboard Regal Princess
• Private guide
10 day holiday from
Single room £1,199
Mini double room £1,949
1. What can a visitor do on Day 5?
| A．See a lighthouse. | B．Go rock climbing. |
| C．Enjoy Catalan food. | D．Visit the English countryside. |
| A．One day. | B．Two days. | C．Three days. | D．Eight days. |
| A．A tour diary. | B．A business report. |
| C．A travel magazine. | D．A geography textbook. |
9 . Official figures show that 101 people were killed in road accidents on the streets of London last year. The city wants to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the capital’s roads to zero. It seems impossible. But it focuses more minds on an important question: What can help reduce accidents in a big city? Transport for London (TfL), the capital’s road and rail authority, has some answers: safe speeds, safe vehicles and so on.
A safety standard for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), which harnesses blind area cameras and sensors (传感器), is pioneering. Blind area cameras and sensors are widely placed where they are needed. The European Commission has followed it. TfL has also helpfully identified London’s most dangerous places. Half of Britain’s most dangerous roads run through the capital. Around three-quarters of accidents that cause deaths or serious injuries happen at crossing near the British Museum, which has been the site of the most deaths since 2012. Westminster is the most dangerous area for walkers and cyclists, so it introduced 20 mph speed limits on all its roads in 2021.
“Vision Zero” was launched in 2018. Deaths and serious injuries on London’s roads have fallen — by 53% and 40% respectively in 2022. But movement is not one-way. Deaths were record breakingly low in 2020 and 2021. But in 2022 the deaths rose again. “We are moving in the right direction,” says Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner.
Lack of funds for TfL has put off improving the riskiest areas. Only a few parts of the1010 Avenue have bike paths with guardrails (护栏). Safety is the biggest problem to people taking up cycling or letting their children walk or cycle. But greener vehicles may be unsafe themselves. Electric scooters (滑板车) are the latest ones to confuse planners. “One of those doing 50 mph down the road is not good for anybody,” said Mr Norman.
1. What is the author’s purpose in writing paragraph 1?| A．To make the article interesting. |
| B．To stress the importance of TfL. |
| C．To call on scientists to study the question. |
| D．To give some background information. |
| A．Compares. | B．Removes. | C．Uses. | D．Replaces. |
| A．Doubtful. | B．Supportive. | C．Puzzled. | D．Unclear. |
| A．Bike lanes are not safe anymore for riders on roads. |
| B．Children should think twice when taking up cycling. |
| C．Safety has been a problem for some eco-friendly vehicles. |
| D．Electric scooters have become the biggest confusion for planners. |
10 . Let us continue with all sorts of great books. These four ones are worth reading.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands
Kate Beaton is best known for humor. She tells how hopeless she was to pay off college loans, and she spent two years in her 20s working in the oil fields of Alberta. Beaton also considered how her years in the oil sands affected her own creativity. Her surroundings seemed almost designed to limit her imagination. The book is a vital turning point in the career of an important artist.
Nowhere Better Than Here
In her first middle grade novel, Sarah Guillory has written an exciting story about a brave girl fighting against the effects of climate change. When the worst flood in a century hits, thirteen-year-old Jillian is determined to find a way to keep her hometown Boutin and its spirit alive.
It Won’t Always Be Like This
Malaka Gharib has got a sharp eye for character details. Now in the book, Gharib revisits her teens. She tells about leaving Los Angeles, where she lived with her mother and visiting her father in Egypt every summer. Looking back at this time with adult eyes, she recalls her teen self with a mix of liking and anger.
Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life
It tells the true story of the author Jerry Pinkney’s childhood growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the book, Jerry also mentions his reading and writing problems. Only drawing could offer him a sense of calm, control and confidence. Jerry eventually became one of the most celebrated children’s book illustrators (插图画家) of all time.
1. What did Beaton think of her days in oil fields?| A．It was full of mystery. |
| B．It was helpful to her works. |
| C．It narrowed her imagination. |
| D．It gave her inspiration for drawing. |
| A．Just Jerry: How Drawing Shaped My Life. |
| B．It Won’t Always Be Like This. |
| C．Nowhere Better Than Here. |
| D．Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands. |
| A．They both mention the authors’ growth experiences. |
| B．They both describe the scenes of adulthood. |
| C．They both center on climate problems. |
| D．They both tell inspiring stories. |
